Sincerity & Faithfulness? No way

Yours obediently

XX
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All of us would have written similar letters when in school. Note the pleas — we seek an obligation, thank the teacher and sign off saying we are an obedient student.

As we grew up, we decided not to be obedient but signed off our official letters with a ” Thanking you” followed by ” Yours faithfully” or ” Yours sincerely” depending upon whether the initial address was generic ( Sir/ Madam) or by name respectively. We still thanked the person to whom we were writing and confirmed our faithfulness or sincerity.

Not any more. We do not thank people anymore in e-mails. It is our right and the proud privilege of the recipient that we write to them. E-mails are closed with ” Regards”. Well, we grudgingly say that we respect them or hold them in high esteem. When in a generous mood, we may write ” Warm regards”, as though the recipient could feel the warmth of our hugs. At times, it could be ” Best Regards”. Now what does that mean? My best respects to you, meaning there could be worst respects too. I shudder to think what that could mean. When too busy, the mail ends with just ” Best”. What on earth are we implying? Best wishes, Best of luck, Best Regards, Best in class, Best not to reply, Best left unsaid?

However, one thing is clear — we never claim to be faithful or sincere. No yours faithfully or sincerely. Well, I send you my regards or wish you best of luck, but don’t hold me responsible for the contents of the mail. Faithfulness and sincerity I do not claim.. Let the recipient beware.